To Love Again

Lander

"So what are you looking for in a place, Mr. dela Vega?" tanong sakin ni Liv, who is currently right in front of me with her notepad and pen in hand.

"I want this to be different, Mrs. Zamora. Something new." sagot ko naman. "La Casa de Esperanza has always had a rustic and homey feel to it, but all the while never losing its luxurious ambiance. We're a 5-star restaurant and we have to live up to these standards. But for this one, I want something knew. Something authentic." I explained.

"By 'authentic,' what do you mean?" Liv asked as she jotted down something on her notepad.

"Gusto ko yung authentic Filipino feel. Na pag-apak mo palang, you feel at home. I want Philippine culture to be implemented in this restaurant--I have already talked to my head chef and asked him to create a new menu, I want to emphasize more on Philippine cuisine rather than Spanish cuisine." I added,

"But, based on my research, La Casa de Esperanza is known for its excellent Spanish cuisine. Don't you think it's too much of a risk to venture into something that's beyond what your restaurant is known for?" Liv pointed out,

"At this point in my life Liv, I think I'm ready to take risks. I don't want to be complacent. I don't want to just stay within my comfort zone. I don't want to pull myself back. I'm ready for change." I looked intently at Liv and held out my hand to touch hers, "So, will you take the risk with me Mrs. Zamora?"

A gentle smile formed on her face as she gave me a little nod. And at that moment, I felt something that I've never felt before-- a spark, a flutter in my heart.

"Kuya Lander!!" masayang salubong sakin ng nakakabata kong kapatid na si Luna.

I just arrived at our family home where everyone was waiting for me. I gave my little sister an embrace, then she led me towards the dining room where Mommy, Daddy, Kuya Lance, Ate Audrey and their newborn baby, Luca, were waiting for us.

"Lander, anak!" Mommy stood up and gave a tight hug and kiss on the cheeks.

"Ma, di mo naman ako masyadong namiss 'no?" I joked,

"Maupo na kayo Elise, Lander, at kumain na tayo. I'm sure you're all starving." Dad called out.

I took a seat at the vacant seat by Luna. We said our prayers then started eating. Ang dami nilang hinanda, parang may fiesta sa bahay, at paborito ko pa lahat ng mga putahe-- Mommy's special kare-kare, sinigang na hipon at tsaka tortang talong. Grabe, ang tagal ko nang di nakakakain ng homemade Filipino food, especially yung luto ni Mommy.

"Mommy wala parin talagang kupas ang cooking skills mo. Ang sarap, sobra!" I pointed out. Mommy just chuckled.

"So Lander, how long do you plan on staying here?" Dad asked, shifting the attention to me.

"Are you staying for good, Kuya?" Luna added, hopeful.

"Well, I've only bought a one-way ticket, that's for sure. Alam nyo naman po na I'm building a restaurant here so that'll take a while po siguro. So we'll see." I answered with a smile.

"Dito ka nalang, Kuya. Ang lonely kaya yung mag-isa ka lang dun. At least dito, nandito kaming lahat." Luna pointed out.

It's true, malungkot talaga yung mag-isa. I always used to celebrate my birthdays and holidays alone in France. I never took to initiative to book a flight back home. Somehow, I was content with being by myself. I enjoyed it. I was always busy with work that I never really put much thought and attention towards my loneliness. Pero now that I'm back home with my family, I've never appreciated having company as much as I do now. Iba parin pala yung kasama mo ang mga taong importante sa'yo.